What Toyota did with the GR Yaris is remind every petrolhead that carmakers still know how to cater to their more enthusiastic customers without asking them to break the bank.
And even if Toyota won’t bring the little GR Yaris over to the U.S., reports suggest that the Japanese carmaker is working on a hot GR Corolla with the same ingredients which will most likely cross the Pacific ocean.
Read More: Litchfield Working On Toyota GR Yaris Upgrades, Has Already Boosted It To 300 HP
Until then, Carwow is going to show what is like to leave with perhaps the most exciting performance model with a Toyota badge in recent years (sorry Supra). Their example is finished in the pearlescent white option, which really suits the small pocket rocket.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder producing 257 HP (261 PS) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm). This new engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and Toyota’s bespoke four-wheel-drive system that can be fitted with a pair of Torsen limited-slip differentials if you opt for the Circuit Pack – which you should.
Combined with the low weight figure of just 2,822 lbs (1,280 kg), the GR Yaris can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 5.5 seconds an reach an electronically limited 143 mph (230 km/h) top speed.
In addition, the bespoke four-wheel-drive system features three different modes to choose from: Normal, which splits the torque between the axles 60:40, Track (50:50), and Sport, which sends most power to the rear, at 30:70.
Of course, there are things that are not that great about the subcompact hot hatch, including an exhaust soundtrack that leaves a lot to be desired and some weird ergonomics. However, with an almost bargain-like price tag, it’s no wonder that the Toyota GR Yaris deserves all the praise it can get.